CONCORD — Fire investigators say an elderly couple is missing after fire destroyed their home early Friday.

According to Concord Fire Chief Mark Cotreau, crews responded to a fire at 35 Nancy Road.

"At 3:13 a.m., we got a report from a passerby of a large fire in the neighborhood," he said.

Crews responding found a fully involved single-family residence.

"Given the time of day, it was appropriate to consider that there would possibly be people in the building," said Cotreau.

He said firefighters attempted to enter the building, but were unable to because of the intense fire. At that point, a third alarm went out, bringing in crews from neighboring communities.

Speaking to the media as crews worked, Cotreau said two elderly people living in the home were unaccounted for. The State Fire Marshal’s office was summoned to the scene along with additional assets from the Department of Fire Services. Cotreau said the investigation was still in progress.

"A thorough, methodical search of the property is underway," he said. "We do have reason to believe there were people in there when the fire started."

Around mid-day, Cotreau said firefighers found the remains of two people.

"The bodies have been sent to the medical examiner's office for identification," he said, adding the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Fire Marshal Stephen Coan said he expected fire crews and investigators to be on site for several hours.